Tai Ping Carpets has long been a Hong Kong icon - within the market, it has always been among the top ten in terms of luxury custom rugs and carpeting. Now, it launches its first Outdoor carpet collection; designed specifically for outdoor use, these pieces continue its luxury tradition while allowing for greater wear and tear.

The company, so far, is the first in the territory to focus on outdoors carpeting. Mr. Olivier Arzel, Managing Director, RBC Asia, explains that the inspiration for the collection comes from its archives, which contain a wealth of timeless designs. "Bringing out this collection is essentially about pleasing our customers. We see many of them with yachts, terraces and poolsides which call for carpeting - hence the birth of this collection."

Designing the collection posed a significant challenge for the team, because they had to contend with weather. "We have a more limited variety of yarn choice, because we have to use super- durable materials, e.g., Batyline PVC. Also, we can only use the 'loop technique' in manufacturing, which limits the designs available." Nonetheless, Tia Ping has managed to produce a vibrant, customizable collection that is as sophisticated and elegant as it is tough.

"Our goal is to reproduce outdoors what we can do indoors - to continue the Tai Ping luxury experience," said Mr. Arzel. "By luxury we don't mean merely showing off - but a lifestyle in which comfort and coziness is prized above opulence."

Tai Ping Carpets

Address 213, Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central

Tel 2522 7138

Website www.taipingcarpets.com